UNLV forward Goodman faces two felony charges, won’t play this season

UNLV’s frontcourt suffered a major loss Saturday with the announcement that sophomore forward Savon Goodman will not play this season.

Whether Goodman will wear a Rebels basketball uniform again might depend on the outcome of three charges he is facing.

Goodman is due in court Friday and expected to be arraigned on first-degree felony charges of burglary and grand larceny, as well as a gross misdemeanor count of conspiracy to commit burglary.

According to Las Vegas justice court records, the charges stem from an incident that took place May 18.

UNLV coach Dave Rice confirmed via text message that Goodman will not play this season.

“We are aware of the Savon Goodman situation and we are gathering more information. I will have no comment today specific to this. Having said that, regardless of the resolution, Savon will not play in games this entire season so he can focus on getting his priorities in order.”

Goodman, 19, is scheduled to appear in court before Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Cynthia Cruz at 8 a.m. Friday.

Rice, who informed Goodman of his decision Thursday, made clear in a telephone interview Saturday that Goodman remains a part of the team and that Rice expects him in school when classes begin Monday.

“Savon was disappointed, but he appeared to be committed to being part of our team,” Rice said. “I’ve always believed one of my jobs as a basketball coach is to help and support our players through tough times, but that doesn’t mean that basketball has to be part of the equation.

“From a team standpoint, there’s nothing more important than competing for championships, but individually there are sometimes more important things that need to be addressed.”

Goodman, a 6-foot-6-inch Philadelphia native, averaged 9.1 minutes in 27 appearances last season, recording 3.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. He was expected to take on an expanded role this season.

The announcement brings added importance to the addition of Jamal Aytes to UNLV’s incoming class for the 2013-14 season. Aytes, a 6-6 power forward from San Juan Capistrano, Calif., announced his decision to attend UNLV on Monday.

The recruitment of Aytes might have been precipitated by Goodman’s legal issues.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.